Reserves Key Walk-Off Win

UConn head coach Karen Mullins put softball's re-entry rule to good use in yesterday's walk-off win over Central Connecticut State, using a total of 14 different players in various capacities to capture the victory.

The Huskies' everyday lineup was set early on in the season and it's seen very little tweaking from Mullins since, except for some adjustments due to a couple of key injuries.

With regulars like Melissa Lucas and third baseman Meghan Tierney just now returning from the disabled list to reclaim their respective positions, it seemed as though mostly familiar faces would be aligning again for UConn, but it didn't take more than an inning before Mullins was reaching into her bench.

Catcher Danielle Del Ponte was promptly removed from behind the plate after collecting an RBI single in the bottom half of the first and Erin Burtner, who previously saw the bulk of her action in leftfield with Lucas out, was inserted at catcher in her place. The move was made to rest an aching shoulder for Del Ponte, and it was the first of many strings the coach would pull on the day.

"We're coming into the meat of our season and we're doing it for health reasons," said Mullins. "But also it does keep kids sharp and ready to go if you have injuries or something."

Burtner was later replaced at catcher by senior Allie Gendron, a player more or less relegated to designated hitting duties throughout her career. Gendron was a key contributor in the Huskies' seventh inning rally, reaching on an infield single and later scoring the winning run on another single off the bat of Del Ponte.

The win went to senior Kristina Tolles, who relieved starter Rachael Crossin in the top of the sixth and shut down the Blue Devils to allow for the late comeback by her teammates.

While freshman Jessica Areemony remained in her place at third, Tierney replaced Julie Towers at second base in the middle innings as part of a continued effort to work her back into the lineup slowly following her concussion. Tierney was hit in the mouth with a ball that deflected off her bat on a bunt attempt in a game against Seton Hall on April 13.

"I just remember it was really inside and it kind of just happened so fast," Tierney said of the play that caused her to miss over a week of play. "I just remember thinking 'you better get right back up' and I got up and I felt like nothing was wrong but everyone came over."

The team has overcome the injury bug to reel off seven consecutive victories and 10 of their last 11. The bench isn't very deep for the Huskies, but the contributions from it have been crucial to success.

"We don't have a lot of kids but the kids we have give us options so that's important," said Mullins.

The returns of Lucas and Tierney have been seamless and the team dynamic that's propelled UConn to second place in the Big East is as strong as ever.

"It feels good to be back," Tierney said. "You miss it a lot when you're out and our team is playing really well right now. It's amazing how well everyone plays together, we have great team chemistry."

Tierney has yet to step back into the batter's box since her return, but she hopes to take that step soon so she can fully put her injury behind her.

"I'm ready," said Tierney. "I'm trying not to let the psychological stuff get in the way."

Contact Chris Brodeur at

Christopher.Brodeur@UConn.edu.